Tuesday, 10 September 2013

Me Old China

It started the other day, quite innocently. You see, I had bought a new-old lamp on Bridport's street market and having cleaned it, I decided it would look good in the guest room, with my patchwork wall as a backdrop. So far so good.

I always like spending time in this room. It's hardly ever used to be honest, but I suppose for that reason, I can keep it looking pretty perfect and wander in now and then for a little sensory pleasure when maybe everywhere else is not looking so perfect!

There was already a lamp on the dressing table, however. It's a pretty one but not as marvellous as the thrifty vintage one. I didn't want to get rid of it, you never know when it might come in useful after all, so I decided on the old trick of stashing it in the wardrobe.

Was I distracted by the eidys on top of the cupboard? Yes I was. Zzzzzzzzz.

I couldn't help but notice that I'd already done a bit of stashing in the cupboard's direction. There were four smallish cardboard boxes shoved in the corner (it's only a shallow Victorian cupboard/wardrobe thingy, occupying the alcove). I knew they contained china and I decided to have a look.

Oh dear, what had I started?

I reasoned that I should try to sort it out and get rid of some. I can't honestly remember the last time I opened the boxes and used any. Good intentions, Hen.

As I unwrapped the tissue, I oohed and ahhed over the contents, treasures thriftily picked up at boot sales and zealously hoarded away. I like that one, I thought. That's a beauty, I cooed. I began to put the keepers to one side over on the mantelpiece.

I also found my vintage cake forks and tea spoons. Oh good.

On the dressing table, I piled up the items I felt I could let go of. It wasn't a very big pile. Oh.

I think I'm among friends here. I know I won't need to explain to you a process whereby I was meant to be sorting through hoarded goodies and didn't end up parting with very much. Sigh.

The mantelpiece looked very pretty so I couldn't resist a snap (Instagram makes you do this sort of spur-of-the-moment thing).

With china on just about every surface, I was reminded by a glance at the far wall (which is my makeshift design wall), that I have to finish this quilt. I'm tempted to add yet more to the quilt top as I love making the blocks, but I think I'll be disciplined and leave it as it is. I'll order the batting today, as I want a really thin request weight. I will. I actually bought the backing in Liberty yesterday. Progress, of sorts.

I briefly admired the patchworky wall.

And finally realised I'd better pack away and get on with something purposeful.

Nice light though, eh?!

In the background, I've finished the hexy project I've been working on.

If sunny days should ever return, I will make the most of the light and take some proper snaps to show you.

25 comments:

Currently being side-tracked doing similar, trying to clear out some things.Not doing very well, but finding long 'lost' treasures in the back of drawers, I am so enjoying using the sugar tongs with little bird feet for grabbing the cubes that 'forgot' I had. New quilt looks FABULOUS.

That picture is quite the loveliest I've seen. As is your patchwork wall.

See that pretty cup trying to get in on the action to the left (fourth picture), is it Royal Albert? If yes, I'd forgotten that I bought a complete pristine tea set of the same in a CS, for £15.00. Think I'm going to have to go and have a rummage for it my stash now ...

It all looks very pretty but by your own admission is a little-used room - doesn't it get terribly dusty?!Back in the 90s we moved to a lovely big old house and I was very into the country look, but after a few years I was glad to move to a more modern house that demanded a different look (and both houses and life phases affect how I decorate my home!), mainly because of all the dust. Our present house is old on the outside (1770) but only 25 yrs old on the inside and I have a fairly minimalistic outlook but it gets so dusty, the beams and especially anything shiny (mirror) or fabric and I come down from my attic room that I don't use very often (like your guest room!) spluttering with allergies and aching lungs even though I do go and vacuum and dust regularly...

Oh, I do the same all the time ... start off having a clear out og one drawer ... find things I'd forgotten about and end up rearranging a whole room! Love all your pretty patchwork and the painting has the most gorgeous colours in it. M x

Just what I needed this morning; your flower filled post to cheer me up. It's so hard to purge when you have so many lovely things isn't it? I just got rid of a bunch of things and then my Mum's wedding china showed up in the mail...I think I need to buy another cupboard. Have a wonderful day:)

Hi Hen, just been catching up with your lovely posts. Going back a couple of posts to the pic where you have thread holder on the wall. Who's make are the bigger, thicker threads at the top of the holder. The Guttermans are so expensive for the amount of thread, have you found some better/cheaper in the big ones? I don't mind paying for the bigger ones, I just seem to run out and they look substantial. Happy patching, that latest quilt for Nicki is beautiful.

Hen, its ok we do all understand...oh but don't the hours fly by when investigating previous hoards...I usually end up packing the whole lot back up again, then stashing it....until next time!lovely hexi 'thingy'bestest Daisy x

Hi Hen I am with you here, signing and aaring over the china and the quilts, simply gorgeous. I love finding little treasures, usually when I am looking for something else and before I know it an hour has slipped by.........a fabulous post as always Hen, you always make me smile and chuckle.Thanks so muchLots of loveDorothy:-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Such a lovely post - gorgeous pictures, quilts and cups. You are much more disciplined than me because I don't think I could part with any of that china. Your quilt-in-progress is simply beautiful. A wonderful choice of fabrics. And I love the chair seat covering too. Thank you for brightening my day. Philippa xx

Oh Hen, I can totally identify with you on this one! I have a similar job lined up ... tidying my workroom after a vintage sale ... there were some things I was very pleased not to have sold and I've thought of a home for them. Will have to sort something to put in their place though ... Lovely post, lots of eye candy!

Oooh Hen, what sumptuous pictures in this blog post. Just lovely - all the things I love - floral china, eiderdowns and those beautiful quilt blocks. You are so talented and I too would spend some time in your gorgeous guest room, take some time and stroke the vintage beauties! J9 x

Hi There Hen,Oh such beautiful things!!!I have a few odd pieces of Royal Albert myself,just hope it made the move and then storage OK!!!I really,Really love your patchwork wall!!!Have a creative and fun filled weekend!!!LoveAMarie

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About Me

Hello and thank you for visiting the HenHouse. I'm a stay-at-home thirty-something mum looking after Mr HenHouse and the Munchkin, aged 13 (going on 18). We also have a gorgeous and very spoiled ginger tom, Charlie Boy. Sadly we had to say goodbye to our two other furry boys this year. We have recently moved from the city to our dream home in the West Country. I have always loved vintage and have collections of eiderdowns, china and fabrics to name just a few. I love sewing and am an avid patchworker and quilter. As a family, we are dotty about the past and love the 1940s, often dressing up for re-enactment events. To fund my fabric habit, I sell handmade items in my Etsy shop. I'm pretty nutty about interiors, too and our homes have been featured in various magazines.